As
part of this, messages were painted at the entrance to both ends of
the bridge augmented by two extra 'No Cycling' signs.

Leaving
the bridge the message was 'Beware' but strangely this was burned off
a few days later.

Typical
Peak Weekday Traffic

Data
was gathered between 8 am and 9 am for 96 pedestrians and 38
cyclists.

Percentages

Pedestrians

Cyclists

Both
Modes

Cavell
-> UHI

50

19

69

UHI -> Cavell

22

9

31

Both
Directions

72

28

100

The
different counts in each direction is mostly explained by where the
people work.

The
opposite would be expected at the end of the day.

There
were a few joggers and walkers with buggies and dogs among the
pedestrian numbers.

I
initial attempted to do a separate count of cyclists cycling and
walking but I abandoned this because quite a few changed mode
(sometimes more than once) as they crossed.

Observations

Pedestrians
crossed singly or in groups of up to four taking about a minute.

Some
trailed wheeled luggage, pushed buggies or were accompanied by dogs.

Some
stopped to take photos or look at the view. Some were jogging.

Cyclists
usually travelled alone and could cycle across in about 20 seconds.

Some
cyclists walked the full length while others cycled for all or part
of the crossing.

There
is only 1.7 m of available width. Walking two abreast is comfortable
but cycling two abreast is not really an option. This naturally means
that cyclists have to take care when passing other users of the
bridge and will usually only overtake a pedestrian with consent.

Signs
on Metal Plates

The
Greig Street Bridge, near the city centre, is of similar construction
but slightly wider at 2.3 m. It also has a more obvious rise in the middle. It has rectangular blue 'Cyclists Dismount' signs
at each end. Being advisory, they can be ignored (and often are)
provided the cyclist takes account of other bridge users. It also has two red circle 'No Cycling' signs at each end. Their lettering is badly weathered and their position on the side barrier of the bridge makes them easy to overlook.

The
Infirmary Bridge has two
new red
circle 'No Cycling' signs at each end. This
is an order
and failure to comply is potentially an offence carrying a fine.

Other
Locations

There
is no prohibition on the paths or bridges further upstream in the Ness Islands. Indeed there is an official cycle route (The Great Glen Way) through the Ness Islands.

Core
Paths

It
is worth noting that both of these suspension bridges are Core Paths.

This
is a legal term that grants a legal right to walk or cycle that
route.

Map_9___Inverness_West.pdf

IN19.06
- Greig Street Bridge

IN19.07
– Infirmary Bridge

It
would appear that the 'No Cycling' signs contradicts this basic
right.

Invalid
prohibition signs that are likely to be ignored put the law into
disrepute.

Conclusion

Cyclists
walking or cycling across these suspension bridges already appear to show
consideration for others on the bridge.The narrowness of the Infirmary Bridge naturally encourages cyclists to stop and give way to pedestrians or cyclists passing in the opposite direction. The main justification for overtaking is when pedestrians stop to take photos. This is typically done politely with appropriate care.

The
Greig Street Bridge is 0.6 m (2 feet) wider and provides greater width and
better sight-line than some local shared-use pavements (cycle
tracks). Cycling across the bridge is quite common and is typically
done with consideration. Cyclists will usually walk their bike if the
bridge is busy. Each end is constricted by a pair of right-angled
corners. BMX riders often leave the bridge by jumping the steps.
(Some even jump up the steps.)

'No
Cycling' signs contradict the reasonable access right of a Core Path.

'Cyclists
Dismount' signs are often an indication of poor design. Here they are
simply not appropriate.

The
painted messages on the surface are unsightly.

All of these signs only serve to disrespect cyclists and encourage others to
quote the law: - “Can't you read the sign?” - no matter how much
care the cyclists show.

I
have asked the Highland Council to remove these new messages and
signs.

They
could more suitably be replaced with a round, blue shared-use sign.

If
it is really thought necessary, they could be supplemented with a
blue rectangular sign with the text such as 'Pedestrian Priority'.

3 comments:

Not only does it mean that people with bikes, who must walk BESIDE the bike take up a lot of room on the bridge, they also take much longer to cross.

I find it very hard to take that these bridges are not "share with care" already given the promises and constant advertising to get people to be more active and cycle in the city.

It almost seems someone thinks it easier to deal with just to stop people cycling rather than either deal with complaints from the public about lack of space when people cycle past them, or , potentially having to put some investment into giving cyclists and infrastructure to actually get around this city without having to stop/give way/dismount for traffic/pedestrians almost every 2 minutes of cycling in the city.

I too totally agree. Funny how Highland Council can find the time/cost to put these signs up, but not find the time/cost to properly signpost Huntly Street to make it obvious that is is 2-way for cyclists. What infuriates me too is that after crossing Infirmary Bridge, it is not legal to then ride along the quiet Ness Bank into town. Instead we all ride illegally up this road, enduring finger wagging motorists, in preference to being forced onto the busy Haugh Road. Highland Council's Carbon Clever, cycle friendly credentials is a sham.